{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"NASCAR History at COTA! Tyler Reddick’s DOMINANT Run, Lawsuit Update & Phoenix Preview","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/nascar-history-at-cota-tyler-reddick-s-dominant-run-lawsuit-update-phoenix-preview","audioUrl":"https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/FOXM7587323191.mp3?updated=1772499109","description":"Tyler Reddick rewrites NASCAR history with three straight Cup Series wins to open the 2026 season, becoming the first driver since 1949 to start 3-for-3, as COTA delivers chaos, mechanical failures, late-race drama, and major playoff implications. On this episode of Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour, Kevin Harvick, Kaitlyn Vincie, and Mamba Smith break down Reddick’s dominant weekend, Shane van Gisbergen’s push to second, Ty Gibbs’ statement finish, Kyle Larson’s cool suit malfunction, Alex Bowman’s early exit, Ross Chastain’s costly penalty, and the latest developments in the Joe Gibbs Racing–Chris Gabehart lawsuit. The crew then previews Phoenix Raceway — where Harvick won nine Cup races — explaining what makes the track so challenging and revealing their official race predictions for the weekend. Mamba’s Social Sips dives into Bill Elliott’s vintage victory at age 70, Myatt Snider’s last-second braking advice, and fan voicemails from around the country.\n\n0:00 - Intro\n\n2:32 - COTA Weekend Recap\n\n33:54 - Phoenix Preview\n\n42:30 - Mamba’s Social Sips\n\n50:05 - Last Call\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices"},"annotations":[{"startTime":201.3,"endTime":206.6,"type":"term","title":"diffuser","url":"/glossary/diffuser","quote":"\"We've got the the simplified diffuser on the back at all the all the short tracks this year. We had it on some last year but you know I think that everybody had a lot of questions about about the power and what that would what that would do...\"","canonicalId":"term:diffuser","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A diffuser is an aerodynamic component located at the rear underside of a car that helps manage airflow to increase downforce and reduce drag, improving stability and grip at high speeds.","simplifiedExplanation":"A diffuser is a part at the back bottom of a car that helps the air flow smoothly, making the car stick better to the road when going fast."}},{"startTime":257.4,"endTime":301.9,"type":"brand","title":"Toyota","url":"/glossary/toyota","quote":"Toyota started off super slow in practice kind of missed the pace of of where they needed to be which means you miss your height and balance and all the things that go with that that that pace that that they missed","canonicalId":"brand:toyota","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Toyota is a major Japanese automotive manufacturer known for producing reliable and competitive vehicles in various motorsports, including NASCAR.","simplifiedExplanation":"Toyota is a big car company from Japan that makes cars and also races them in big car races."}},{"startTime":262.3,"endTime":273.6,"type":"concept","title":"race pace","url":"/glossary/race-pace","quote":"Toyota started off super slow in practice kind of missed the pace of of where they needed to be which means you miss your height and balance and all the things that go with that that that pace that that they missed","canonicalId":"concept:race-pace","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Race pace refers to the speed and performance level a driver or team aims to maintain during a race, which is crucial for competitive results.","simplifiedExplanation":"Race pace means how fast a driver tries to go during a race to do well and win."}},{"startTime":262.3,"endTime":273.6,"type":"concept","title":"car balance","url":"/glossary/car-balance","quote":"Toyota started off super slow in practice kind of missed the pace of of where they needed to be which means you miss your height and balance and all the things that go with that that that pace that that they missed and the balance that they missed","canonicalId":"concept:car-balance","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Car balance refers to how well the weight and handling characteristics of a race car are distributed, affecting its stability and speed through corners.","simplifiedExplanation":"Car balance means how the car feels when it turns and moves, making it easier or harder to drive fast."}},{"startTime":295.8,"endTime":301.9,"type":"concept","title":"top 10 finish","url":"/glossary/top-10-finish","quote":"Michael McDowell was fifth Denny Hamlin got his you know his first top 10 at Kota so to me that's a massive win for Denny Hamlin","canonicalId":"concept:top-10-finish","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A top 10 finish means a driver finishes a race in one of the first ten positions, which is considered a strong result in competitive racing.","simplifiedExplanation":"Top 10 finish means the driver finished the race in the first ten places, which is really good."}},{"startTime":408.3,"endTime":410.0,"type":"concept","title":"NASCAR","url":"/glossary/nascar","quote":"oh after the lawsuit like of course NASCAR is like helping them win it where's my camera over here","canonicalId":"concept:nascar","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"NASCAR is a popular American auto racing sanctioning and operating company known for stock car racing events primarily held on oval tracks.","simplifiedExplanation":"NASCAR is a big organization that runs car races where drivers compete on oval tracks, kind of like a fast car race."}},{"startTime":443.1,"endTime":445.0,"type":"concept","title":"spotter","url":"/glossary/spotter","quote":"from a nick paying a spotter did it all right and Billy Scott's breaking fast race cars then they","canonicalId":"concept:spotter","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A spotter in racing is a team member who communicates with the driver from a vantage point to provide information about track conditions, nearby cars, and strategy.","simplifiedExplanation":"A spotter is someone who helps the driver by telling them what's happening around the car during the race so they can drive safely and smartly."}},{"startTime":574.9,"endTime":589.3,"type":"concept","title":"road courses","url":"/glossary/road-courses","quote":"\"...I gotta give him a lot of credit because I don't think I've ever given him any credit for running road courses like I just seems like they really just like mail it in and then show up but he ran top ten like he you could tell that he with the effort was there...\"","canonicalId":"concept:road-courses","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Road courses are racing tracks that feature multiple turns and elevation changes, unlike oval tracks. They require different driving skills and car setups, emphasizing braking, cornering, and acceleration.","simplifiedExplanation":"Road courses are race tracks with lots of turns and hills, not just simple loops. Drivers need to be good at turning and slowing down to race well on these tracks."}},{"startTime":799.4,"endTime":805.2,"type":"term","title":"restart","url":"/glossary/restart","quote":"...he had that last restart in fourth right there with a chance to race for the win but didn't qualify well...","canonicalId":"term:restart","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"In racing, a restart is when the race resumes after a caution or a pause, bunching up the field and giving drivers a chance to improve their positions.","simplifiedExplanation":"A restart happens when the race starts again after a pause, letting all the cars race closely together to try to get ahead."}},{"startTime":805.2,"endTime":813.3,"type":"term","title":"qualify","url":"/glossary/qualify","quote":"...but didn't qualify well got himself in the back and got torn up with a chain reaction the first time he spun...","canonicalId":"term:qualify","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Qualifying is the process before a race where drivers compete to set the fastest lap time to determine their starting positions on the grid.","simplifiedExplanation":"Qualifying is like a time trial before the race that decides where each driver starts when the race begins."}},{"startTime":813.3,"endTime":819.6,"type":"part","title":"brake hat","url":"/glossary/brake-hat","quote":"...had some bad luck on Saturday with the brake hat failing and then on Sunday just wrong...","canonicalId":"part:brake-hat","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A brake hat is the central part of a brake rotor that mounts to the wheel hub, connecting the rotor to the wheel assembly.","simplifiedExplanation":"The brake hat is the middle part of the brake disc that holds it to the car's wheel."}},{"startTime":943.8,"endTime":953.9,"type":"concept","title":"the esses","url":"/glossary/the-esses","quote":"to Kota is just a it's a very unique racetrack and I think you saw this through the esses with with Shane he was just so good at putting his car right next to the barriers and and getting that rhythm through the esses","canonicalId":"concept:the-esses","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The esses are a series of fast, flowing S-shaped turns on a racetrack that test a driver's ability to maintain rhythm and car balance through quick directional changes.","simplifiedExplanation":"The esses are a part of a race track where the road curves left and right quickly, like the letter S. Drivers have to steer smoothly to keep their speed."}},{"startTime":1127.2,"endTime":1133.0,"type":"concept","title":"stage points","url":"/glossary/stage-points","quote":"Ty Gibbs and Christopher Bell they needed to have a solid day they needed to score stage points Ty scored a ton of stage points to be able to win the second stage","canonicalId":"concept:stage-points","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Stage points are points awarded to drivers based on their position at certain segments or stages within a race, rather than just the final race result. These points contribute to the overall championship standings and can be crucial for drivers aiming to win the season title.","simplifiedExplanation":"In some races, drivers can earn points during the race at certain checkpoints, not just at the end. These points help them get closer to winning the whole championship."}},{"startTime":1154.6,"endTime":1159.6,"type":"concept","title":"points reset","url":"/glossary/points-reset","quote":"you really need to be in that top seven when the when the points reset if you're going to have a chance at winning the championship","canonicalId":"concept:points-reset","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Points reset is a process in some racing series where championship points are adjusted or reset at a certain stage, such as before playoffs or final rounds, to tighten competition and give more drivers a chance to win.","simplifiedExplanation":"Sometimes in racing, the points that drivers have earned get adjusted or reset partway through the season to make the competition closer and more exciting."}},{"startTime":1264.4,"endTime":1295.7,"type":"term","title":"cool suit","url":"/glossary/cool-suit","quote":"Kyle Larson a number of drivers having issues with their cool suits throughout this race this obviously is the hottest race we've had so far this season temperatures in the mid 80s so when he would stop they'd do the ice packs they would have to do the water bottles dump them over his head everything you're basically just cooking in your suit right yes is that well they never had a chance to to drain the system to get all the hot water out of it so you just can't afford to to take the time unless you just can't tolerate it but they they managed it the best that they could um you know I think Larson's cool suit um Ryan Priest's cool suit and there I think they might might have been yeah AJ Almond Dinger","canonicalId":"term:cool-suit","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A cool suit is a specialized garment worn by race car drivers that circulates cooled liquid to help regulate body temperature during hot conditions. It helps prevent overheating and heat exhaustion during races.","simplifiedExplanation":"A cool suit is like a special jacket that keeps race car drivers cool by moving cold water or air around their body. This helps them not get too hot while racing."}},{"startTime":1484.8,"endTime":1488.6,"type":"company","title":"Hendrick Motorsports","url":"/glossary/hendrick-motorsports","quote":"...so he comes out hendrick motorsports looking for a relief driver which it's not like they're just all standing around...","canonicalId":"company:hendrick-motorsports","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Hendrick Motorsports is a prominent NASCAR racing team known for fielding multiple competitive cars in the Cup Series and other NASCAR series.","simplifiedExplanation":"Hendrick Motorsports is a big team in NASCAR that races cars and often wins. They have many drivers and cars in races."}},{"startTime":1638.2,"endTime":1640.0,"type":"company","title":"Team Penske","url":"/glossary/team-penske","quote":"so Jefferson Hodges who's over at team Penske I used to work for him at the diversity team at","canonicalId":"company:team-penske","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Team Penske is a professional auto racing organization that competes in various motorsport series including IndyCar and NASCAR. It is known for its success and professionalism in racing.","simplifiedExplanation":"Team Penske is a famous racing team that races cars in big competitions. They are very good and well-known in the racing world."}},{"startTime":1638.2,"endTime":1644.1,"type":"concept","title":"diversity team","url":"/glossary/diversity-team","quote":"so Jefferson Hodges who's over at team Penske I used to work for him at the diversity team at rev racing","canonicalId":"concept:diversity-team","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A diversity team in racing is an initiative or program aimed at increasing participation and representation of underrepresented groups in motorsports. These programs often provide opportunities for drivers and crew members from diverse backgrounds.","simplifiedExplanation":"A diversity team is a group that helps people from different backgrounds get involved in racing. It helps make racing more fair and open to everyone."}},{"startTime":1644.1,"endTime":1646.0,"type":"company","title":"Rev Racing","url":"/glossary/rev-racing","quote":"so Jefferson Hodges who's over at team Penske I used to work for him at the diversity team at rev racing","canonicalId":"company:rev-racing","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Rev Racing is a racing team that operates programs to develop young drivers, especially focusing on diversity and inclusion in motorsports. It is closely linked with NASCAR's Drive for Diversity program.","simplifiedExplanation":"Rev Racing is a team that helps young and diverse drivers learn how to race cars professionally. They help new drivers get started in racing."}},{"startTime":1662.0,"endTime":1665.0,"type":"term","title":"helmet","url":"/glossary/helmet","quote":"I had none of my helmet none of my fire suit because I was scared to like have it with me","canonicalId":"term:helmet","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A helmet is a crucial piece of safety equipment worn by race car drivers to protect their head from injury during crashes or accidents.","simplifiedExplanation":"A helmet is a hard hat that drivers wear to keep their head safe if they crash. It helps stop head injuries."}},{"startTime":1662.0,"endTime":1665.0,"type":"term","title":"fire suit","url":"/glossary/fire-suit","quote":"I had none of my helmet none of my fire suit because I was scared to like have it with me","canonicalId":"term:fire-suit","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A fire suit is a specialized racing garment made from fire-resistant materials designed to protect drivers from burns in the event of a fire during a race.","simplifiedExplanation":"A fire suit is special clothing that race car drivers wear to keep them safe if there is a fire. It helps stop them from getting burned."}},{"startTime":1694.1,"endTime":1697.0,"type":"concept","title":"Arca races","url":"/glossary/arca-races","quote":"\"...I'll bring it to the Arca races didn't you say yeah no I'll bring it to ovals...\"","canonicalId":"concept:arca-races","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"ARCA (Automobile Racing Club of America) races are stock car racing events primarily held on oval tracks, serving as a developmental series for drivers aspiring to compete in NASCAR.","simplifiedExplanation":"ARCA races are car races on oval tracks where drivers practice and compete to get better and maybe move up to bigger racing leagues like NASCAR."}},{"startTime":1866.2,"endTime":1871.6,"type":"concept","title":"IndyCar","url":"/glossary/indycar","quote":"...it's a well established event for for indy car always has great participation from the fans...","canonicalId":"concept:indycar","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"IndyCar is a premier American open-wheel racing series known for events like the Indianapolis 500. It features high-speed, single-seater race cars competing on various types of tracks including ovals, road courses, and street circuits.","simplifiedExplanation":"IndyCar is a type of car race where very fast, special cars race on different tracks, including city streets and oval tracks. It's one of the most popular racing series in the US."}},{"startTime":2027.0,"endTime":2027.0,"type":"brand","title":"Chevrolet","url":"/glossary/chevrolet","quote":"jgr is a Toyota team and it's by the Chevrolet team","canonicalId":"brand:chevrolet","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Chevrolet is an American automotive brand known for producing a wide range of vehicles including performance cars and trucks. Chevrolet also fields teams in motorsports such as NASCAR.","simplifiedExplanation":"Chevrolet is a big American car company that makes many types of cars and trucks and also has race teams."}},{"startTime":2098.0,"endTime":2101.0,"type":"concept","title":"Phoenix International Raceway","url":"/glossary/phoenix-international-raceway","quote":"i grew up as a kid going to to phoenix international raceway and i raced my southwest tour cars there","canonicalId":"concept:phoenix-international-raceway","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Phoenix International Raceway is a well-known motorsports track located in Avondale, Arizona, famous for hosting NASCAR and other racing events.","simplifiedExplanation":"Phoenix International Raceway is a race track in Arizona where many car races happen, especially NASCAR races."}},{"startTime":2101.0,"endTime":2104.0,"type":"concept","title":"Winston West","url":"/glossary/winston-west","quote":"i raced my winston west car there","canonicalId":"concept:winston-west","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Winston West was a regional NASCAR racing series on the West Coast, serving as a developmental platform for drivers aiming to compete in national NASCAR events.","simplifiedExplanation":"Winston West was a racing series on the West Coast where drivers raced cars similar to NASCAR, helping them get ready for bigger races."}},{"startTime":2157.0,"endTime":2160.0,"type":"concept","title":"brake zone","url":"/glossary/brake-zone","quote":"...at the end of the first third into turn one to be able to at the end of the brake zone right there to make the car turn from that point to the center of the corner...","canonicalId":"concept:brake-zone","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The brake zone is the section of a racetrack where drivers apply the brakes before entering a corner to reduce speed and prepare for the turn.","simplifiedExplanation":"The brake zone is the part of the track where you slow down your car before turning so you don't go too fast and lose control."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"FOX Sports","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/nascar-history-at-cota-tyler-reddick-s-dominant-run-lawsuit-update-phoenix-preview/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}